By Darlene L. Williams, Contributing Writer
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — 300 local residents, elected officials, and representatives from the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) came together in a virtual Zoom conference entitled, ”Conversation, Cops, and CommUNITY” to discuss police brutality, policing policies, and racial inequalities that have plagued the African American community for decades.
The urgent public outcry came just days after the May 25, 2020 death of George Floyd (Minneapolis, Minnesota) at the hands of a white police officer who knelt on his neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds until he died.
Chief Terry communicated with the panel the screening methods, laws, the rights of peace officer and other policies surrounding the work of police officers.
Several suggestions and ideas for policy changes were discussed in hopes of improving relations between the African American community and other people color and the BPD.
Panelists for the virtual meeting were: SPGA; Arleana Waller, BPD Chief; Greg Terry, Leadership Strategist; Arnita Taylor, Therapist; Tahlua Goosby, KCSOS HR Director; Traco Matthews, Trustee with PBUSD; Keith Wolaridge, Mayor; Karen Goh, BPD Assistant Chief; Joe Mullins, Lt. Clayton Madden; NAACP President; Patrick Jackson, Assemblyman; Rudy Salas, Civil Rights Activist; Christina Laster, Author; Bob Prater, Ret.
